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About 40 drivers for Lyft — a so-called rideshare company — rallied Monday evening at City Hall, calling on officials to make way for the new-age taxis.
The City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday evening on amendments to its ground transportation ordinance. But Lyft representatives have said those amendments are not compatible with the the online business that coordinates freelance drivers with people seeking rides. They insist they are not transportation companies, but only offer a platform for the service.
"I'm tired of Utah political leaders deciding what's in my best interest," said Shawn Wester of West Valley City. "I'm qualified to know what's in my best interest."
Lyft and a second company, Uber, have been operating outside city laws since spring when the Internet rideshare companies burst on the scene. Although Salt Lake City police have issued citations, most have been warnings.
In recent months, the City Council has agreed to make its ordinance more rideshare friendly by agreeing to do away with a minimum 30-minute wait for limousines and a $30 minimum fare charge.
But the council looks poised to adopt other amendments to its ground transportation ordinance that would continue to require taxi cabs as well as rideshare companies to undergo the city's driver background checks and vehicle inspections. Liability insurance also remains a sticking point.
Last week, representatives of both Uber and Lyft said the background checks and vehicle inspections already were provided by the companies. Undergoing the same checks by the city amounted to "onerous" over-regulation, they announced in a full-page ad in The Salt Lake Tribune.
Such regulations would make it impossible for Uber and Lyft to operate in Salt Lake City, they said in separate interviews.
Lyft driver Anna Spens is a single mom who likes the flexibility the job affords her.
"I want an ordinance that's rideshare friendly," she said.
Tim Berry told the gathering that the council's vote Tuesday is not the end of Lyft in Salt Lake City. "It's just a step in the process," he said. "We will be in Salt Lake City for a long time."
In an interview, City Council Chairman Charlie Luke said changing technology will keep Salt Lake City analyzing its ground transportation regulations on an ongoing basis.
"There will be other opportunities for the city to look at this," he said.
Mayor Ralph Becker said Monday morning that Salt Lake City wants the rideshare companies to operate here. He said city officials will continue to work with them toward a solution.